College’s hospitality students rise to Nestle Toque d’Or challenge

City of Glasgow College has won the prestigious Nestlé Professional’s Toque d’Or® Award three times, most recently in 2020 by HND Hospitality Management student, Alex Dick, for Front of House.

Current hospitality students at the college are now being urged to follow in those winning footsteps.

The competition is open to students and apprentices, as well as Front and Back of House professionals. Entrants must register before the Friday 4 February deadline.

May Donald, Associate Dean for Culinary Arts, City of Glasgow College said:

"Our college has a well-deserved reputation for excellence in culinary arts and hospitality. A high-profile competition like Toque d’Or® tests our students' skills and challenges them to perfect their techniques. It puts them under the type of pressure they will experience when working in the industry.

“We are certainly entering again. Our college continually encourages students to take part in competitions like this as they are invaluable in helping prepare them for the world of work."  

Alex Dick, who took gold in restaurant service for the college at the recent WorldSkills UK national finals, said it was an incredible feeling to win the Toque d’Or®, adding: “It will forever be a massive milestone. For me it’s always about the people I meet, and the experiences I have, which are bigger than any prize.”

The competition is unique in its focus on both Back and Front of House staff. Providing up-to-the-minute industry expertise, the students will gain valuable hands-on experience and develop practical skills in areas such as social media promotion, business management and sustainable food and drink.

Katya Simmons, Managing Director Nestlé Professional UK&I, commented:

“City of Glasgow College catering and hospitality students who’ve entered Toque d’Or® to date have been second to none, and we’re hoping to attract more Front of House and Back of House superstars.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received from the College. Toque d’Or® wouldn’t be possible without lecturers and mentors encouraging and motivating students to take part. The high standard of competitors is testimony to their commitment, not to mention the quality of teaching at the College.”

With a gastronomic weekend in Dubai, attendance at the Worldchefs Congress & Expo 2022 in Abu Dhabi, and the chance to join foodie superstars Anton Mosimann and Julie Jones in the Toque d’Or® hall of fame, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime.

This year the competition will continue 2021’s successful hybrid format. A sustainable futures theme will be reflected across each challenge, covering elements such as nutrition, health, food waste and seasonality.

Anyone wishing to register should visit the Nestle Toque d’Or website.